The University of Sheffield
Department of History

Student Views


What our students think

This is my fourth year as a History student at the University of Sheffield, having completed my BA degree here, and now taking an MA in Early Modern History. I decided to stay at Sheffield for my Masters for a few reasons: Sheffield has felt like home since the day I moved in nearly four years ago; the History department is excellent, both as an academic community and as a group of people; and I wanted to get some use out of the brand new Jessop West building that now houses the department. So far, I've found the MA course stimulating and surprisingly wide-ranging in terms of content and format. I've even managed to find time to run an online History magazine, which is supported by the department.

Liam Geoghegan, Masters in Early Modern History
 

I returned to the University of Sheffield to do my MA in American History after completing my Undergraduate degree in American studies here. I knew I wanted to do this MA and there was no doubt that I wanted to come back to study here. My undergraduate degree had consisted mainly of a study of English Literature and History, and the supportive, friendly environment of the Department of History was a major factor in my decision to continue on at the University of Sheffield. Always approachable, I am finding that any queries or concerns I have are heard and addressed by the Department staff, which is just one of the reasons why I have not doubted that the decision to come back to study here was the right one.

Amy Power, Masters in American History
 

Sheffield's a great place, both for studying and living. The History Department's amazingly well organised, and they've been extremely understanding and helpful during my time here- part of the reason I signed up for postgraduate study in Sheffield and didn't consider other universities was because of the positive experience I'd had at Sheffield with both the staff and the subjects and topics that I studied. The staff are both incredibly passionate about their subjects and also friendly, helpful and approachable; I've had very little trouble getting used to postgraduate study thanks to how welcoming the department was. There are always events and seminars on, so if you want to learn more outside of your chosen field, that's catered for at Sheffield. As a city, Sheffield's just a really friendly, safe place; everything you need to get to is located within a convenient walking distance, and the campus is very well laid out. Overall, I'd say that studying History at Sheffield has been one of the most positive experiences I've ever had, and I'd recommend it to anyone!

Chris Mole, Masters in Medieval History
 

Having done my undergraduate degree here, I was already convinced that Sheffield city and University were both great places to be.  The History Department here is wonderful, with a vibrant post-graduate community.  Student-run discussion groups are a great way to meet other people studying similar things, and have introduced me to a number of new and interesting topics.  There are plenty of guest lectures and talks, in all areas of history, and there is something to suit everyone´s tastes.   The teaching staff are incredibly friendly and enthusiastic.  Studying International History here has been a great experience so far, and I´m looking forward to starting a PhD next year.

Katie Crone Barber, Masters in International History

I have really enjoyed studying for my MA in Medieval History as I have been able to focus on a variety of different areas of the Middle Ages that I wouldn't otherwise have had chance to look at. The work, though challenging, has been very interesting and helped to improve my knowledge about various aspects of the Medieval period as well as societies more generally. I'm glad that I did my MA at Sheffield because the city does not feel too crowded unlike many other cities and has plenty of green spaces, both of which suit someone from the countryside like me.

Simon F. Rodgers, Masters in Medieval History